XFINITY: Custer to drive SHR debut entry in `17

Cole Custer has been tapped by Stewart-Haas Racing to drive its debut No. 00 entry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2017.

Custer, who will turn 19 prior to the start of the season, will race full time and compete for rookie of the year honors. Haas Automation will be the primary sponsor.

"Cole Custer has accomplished a lot at a very young age and is well positioned to make the next step to the NASCAR XFINITY Series," said Greg Zipadelli, vice president of competition for SHR. "Our goal with our XFINITY Series program is to develop young talent, and that includes behind the wheel. Cole has earned this opportunity and we look forward to working with him."

Custer has two wins and four poles in 34 career Truck Series starts; he became the youngest winner ever in the series when he won at New Hampshire in Sept. 2014 at just 16 years, 239 days old. In three Xfinity Series starts in 2016, he's earned two top-10s with a best finish of fourth in May at Charlotte.

"I've really enjoyed the Xfinity Series races I've run this year and I'm looking forward to running the full schedule in 2017," Custer said. "It's a new challenge, and with the resources of Stewart-Haas Racing, I'm in the best position to learn and succeed. I'm grateful for the chance they've given me and I plan to make the most of it."

"I've watched Cole grow up on and off the racetrack," said Haas Automation president and founder Gene Haas. "He's found success at every level and represented Haas Automation very well. The Xfinity Series is the next step in his career and we're proud to be a part of it."